Analysis of Literary ContextThe intent of this paper is to analyze the literary context of the book of James, by giving an outline and summary of each chapter found in the book of The Epistle of James. This paper will give historical background and cultural information for the purpose that James the author wrote the book. This paper will attempt to tie in James 2:8-11 into the overall context of the book to find how and why James felt that these three verses were important to the entire book. The Epistle of James

The letter takes its name from its author James the brother of Jesus (Mt.13:55 and Mk 6:3). James became the leader in the Jerusalem church (Gal. 2:9, 12 and Acts 12:17). The original text was written in Greek around A.D.49 before the Jerusalem council held in A.D. 50. James wrote this letter to the First century Jewish Christians residing in a Gentile community outside Palestine. James purpose for writing this letter was to expose hypocritical practices of the church and to teach Christian correct behavior. This letter was originally a sermon by James prior to being martyred. It is believed that this sermon was rhetoric edited and distributed as a letter to churches everywhere. The settings that cause James to write this letter was he had a concern for the persecuted Christians who were once part of the Jerusalem church.

James was not one of the original disciples of Jesus; James was among the group gathered on Pentecost Acts 1:14. James took over leadership of the Jerusalem church after Peter left Palestine Acts 12:17. James seems to be more concern with Christians observing the Law. James was presided at the Jerusalem council Acts 15 where the church leaders reached an agreement for the basis of Christian fellowship.